Summary of the Reading From the Field to the Legislature (A History of the Women of the Virgin Islands)
Summary by chapter
1. Slavery
Industries of the VI depended on enslaved African labor. The women of the VI were slaves, shared an equal burden of work, held the same positions as men. Economy depended on this slavery. Women treated as men, not allowed maternity leave, etc. treated as sex objects by male slaveowners- led to unfair reputation of promiscuity
Some women fled, some self mutilated (amputation to prevent working), some took part in uprising- by 1820 there had been four slave rebellions in the VI. Other women sought "protectors" (not always nice people)
Enslaved women created strong roles for themselves in the slave community (obeah practitioners, midwives)
Free Women often had small businesses, did ok; economy needed them.
2. Amelioration (means to make better or more tolerable)
Methodists came to VI. Granted black women positions of power within the church. Cited as key factor in revolt of 1799. Gave women education- women outnumbered men as students, became teachers; molded the new woman- focused on domestic values. Led to legislation that eased women's conditions on plantations [1798 Amelioration code]
Things still weren’t great; sexual violence common. Methodism often isolated couples.
3. Post-Abolition Virgin Islands
September 6, 1831- everyone can own as many slaves as they want! But this act led to the abolition of slavery on August 1, 1834. Many of the nearly 4,000 freed slaves remained on plantations, some self employed, some left the island.
Government still unfair; by 1891 black men were invited to join legislative council. Many whites began to leave the islands. Methodist influence grew after abolition.
4. New Challenges
VI weren’t always safe for women, cases of rape and sexual assault. Young women (7-16) were seeking employment, autonomous, but not good. Women continued investing in commercial enterprises, women became involved in fishing. Children began attending schools run by the Church of England, as well as Sunday school- schools weren’t always great. VI was just not as profitable as it used to be as a colony. Poor sugar season and fewer workers = colonial neglect
5. Constructing Self
1917, US became neighbors with VI when they took over the now US VI. Many began to move to the new islands for jobs (construction), but the US began restricting immigration.
1943- attempted petition for all of VI to be under US, didn’t work
Leeward Act No. 1 of 1950- established conditions for constitution of election of local membership system; didn’t prohibit women. But women couldn’t meet monetary requirements for voting. 1953, money requirement removed. British began stepping on toes, led to formation of political parties and spiked the voter turnout rates in the 1960s. Women began to contribute even more; took part in social activities such as welfare and cultural work; were prominent at social gatherings. However, women were aware and frustrated by their subordinate position in society.
6. Public Lives
Push for women of the VI to behave in a more European manner. Women were turning their craft into a profitable venture. BVI Red Cross founded in 1956 by mostly VI women. Started PTAs, social development, Women of the Church. BVI Community League founded in 1968, began as extension of domestic goals and expanded from there. League called for reforms in education, immigration and jobs. Women were involved in trades, started to get into even more skilled labor jobs.
7. The Boom Years
Large economy prosperity from 1970’s forward. Annual salaries rose greatly, population was growing healthily. Government focus turned to tourism in 1980’s. High cultural value now placed on raising kids. Women are now able to charge husbands with rape. Women are still forming volunteer organizations.
Summary by chapter
1. Slavery
Industries of the VI depended on enslaved African labor. The women of the VI were slaves, shared an equal burden of work, held the same positions as men. Economy depended on this slavery. Women treated as men, not allowed maternity leave, etc. treated as sex objects by male slaveowners- led to unfair reputation of promiscuity
Some women fled, some self mutilated (amputation to prevent working), some took part in uprising- by 1820 there had been four slave rebellions in the VI. Other women sought "protectors" (not always nice people)
Enslaved women created strong roles for themselves in the slave community (obeah practitioners, midwives)
Free Women often had small businesses, did ok; economy needed them.
2. Amelioration (means to make better or more tolerable)
Methodists came to VI. Granted black women positions of power within the church. Cited as key factor in revolt of 1799. Gave women education- women outnumbered men as students, became teachers; molded the new woman- focused on domestic values. Led to legislation that eased women's conditions on plantations [1798 Amelioration code]
Things still weren’t great; sexual violence common. Methodism often isolated couples.
3. Post-Abolition Virgin Islands
September 6, 1831- everyone can own as many slaves as they want! But this act led to the abolition of slavery on August 1, 1834. Many of the nearly 4,000 freed slaves remained on plantations, some self employed, some left the island.
Government still unfair; by 1891 black men were invited to join legislative council. Many whites began to leave the islands. Methodist influence grew after abolition.
4. New Challenges
VI weren’t always safe for women, cases of rape and sexual assault. Young women (7-16) were seeking employment, autonomous, but not good. Women continued investing in commercial enterprises, women became involved in fishing. Children began attending schools run by the Church of England, as well as Sunday school- schools weren’t always great. VI was just not as profitable as it used to be as a colony. Poor sugar season and fewer workers = colonial neglect
5. Constructing Self
1917, US became neighbors with VI when they took over the now US VI. Many began to move to the new islands for jobs (construction), but the US began restricting immigration.
1943- attempted petition for all of VI to be under US, didn’t work
Leeward Act No. 1 of 1950- established conditions for constitution of election of local membership system; didn’t prohibit women. But women couldn’t meet monetary requirements for voting. 1953, money requirement removed. British began stepping on toes, led to formation of political parties and spiked the voter turnout rates in the 1960s. Women began to contribute even more; took part in social activities such as welfare and cultural work; were prominent at social gatherings. However, women were aware and frustrated by their subordinate position in society.
6. Public Lives
Push for women of the VI to behave in a more European manner. Women were turning their craft into a profitable venture. BVI Red Cross founded in 1956 by mostly VI women. Started PTAs, social development, Women of the Church. BVI Community League founded in 1968, began as extension of domestic goals and expanded from there. League called for reforms in education, immigration and jobs. Women were involved in trades, started to get into even more skilled labor jobs.
7. The Boom Years
Large economy prosperity from 1970’s forward. Annual salaries rose greatly, population was growing healthily. Government focus turned to tourism in 1980’s. High cultural value now placed on raising kids. Women are now able to charge husbands with rape. Women are still forming volunteer organizations.